Grand CHampion title?

[RKCM]

What do you think of the AKC's new Grand Champion title?

[Rhiannon]

I love the idea. I am going to include a link to a page that I googled and found it to be very good reading. I would definitely participate in it as it does not cost any more to campaign your dog for this title than simply entering your dog in BOB competition anyway. Our daughter's female is a UKC Grand Champion so we would definitely compete for this in the AKC venue as well. Thanks for bringing this up. Very informational.

http://dogshownewbie.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-akc-grand-champion-title-passes.html

[RKCM]

I understand that it was meant to be a title for the best of the best sorta speak and not always awarded. I am assuming that is WD or WB goes BOB, there will be no pts given toward the grand ch pts.

[Rhiannon]

I understand that it was meant to be a title for the best of the best sorta speak and not always awarded. I am assuming that is WD or WB goes BOB, there will be no pts given toward the grand ch pts.

I don't know I am waiting to hear more on this title.

[RKCM]

Here is AKC announcement on the New Grand Champion Title:




Dear Champion Dog Owner:

We are pleased to announce that the American Kennel Club will be offering owners the ability to have their AKC Champions of Record attain even greater achievements in the show ring by earning the new Grand Champion title. While there are many opportunities in AKC Companion and Performance events to earn titles which mark your dog's achievements as you advance in the sport together, the Champion title has traditionally been the only title of recognition in Conformation. The new Grand Champion title now offers AKC Champion dog owners an opportunity to further compete in AKC Conformation events or return with their retired Champions and earn a new title. In addition, dogs who earn their Grand Champion title will receive an invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship!

Starting May 12, 2010, concurrent with the implementation of the 2010-2011 AKC Point Schedule, judges will be able to award Grand Championship points. Competition for this new title will be judged concurrently with Best of Breed/Variety competition at all-breed, group and specialty shows. All Champions of Record entered in the Best of Breed/Variety competition will be eligible to compete for Grand Championship points. There is no additional entry fee.

How does a dog earn the Grand Champion title?

Only Champions are eligible to earn Grand Championship points. This includes dogs that are "moved up" to Best of Breed competition from completing the requirements for their Champion title at a previous show.
Up to four quality dogs may be recognized: Best of Breed (BOB), Best of Opposite Sex (BOS), Select Dog and Select Bitch are eligible to earn Grand Championship Points. Select Dog and Select Bitch are Champions that were recognized as the top quality of their sex after BOB and BOS have been awarded.
Grand Championship points are awarded at the judge's discretion. Judges need not award Grand Championship points to dogs that, in their opinion, are not worthy of the award.
Completion of the title requires all of the following:
Twenty five Grand Championship points
Three "majors" (three or more points earned at a single show) won under three different judges
At least one or more of these points won under a fourth judge
Must have defeated at least one other AKC Champion of Record at three shows
How are Grand Championship points determined?

Grand Championship points are calculated using the same AKC Point Schedule as is used for Championship points. (Dogs entered in non-regular classes are not counted in the computation of Championship or Grand Championship points.) Grand Championship points may be awarded to eligible dogs as follows:
Best of Breed – All dogs of both sexes in the breed/variety exhibited in the regular classes and BOB competition will be counted.
Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed – All dogs of the same sex in the breed/variety exhibited in the regular classes and BOB competition will be counted.
Select Dog or Select Bitch – The total number of dogs of the same sex in the breed/variety defeated in the regular classes and BOB competition will be counted. (i.e. 2 dogs less than the total number of the same sex)
Champions of Record including champions that are non-regular class winners (i.e. Veterans Class Winners) or dogs that have been "moved up" to Best of Breed competition for the show are the only dogs eligible for Grand Championship points. Although Winners Dog or Winners Bitch can win BOB or BOS, in no case will they be eligible for Grand Champion competition.
We hope you and your dog will continue to enjoy AKC Conformation events. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments about the new AKC Grand Champion title.

Sincerely,




John P. Wade
Director
AKC Judging Operations
919-816-3880, jpw@akc.org
Robin L. Stansell
Vice President
AKC Event Operations
919-816-3646, rls@akc.org

[Rhiannon]

Thanks so much for sharing that and also did you guys that show see where the point schedules are also changing on that same day. Glad to see it with the economy the way it is......

[Dobs4ever]

For those who are only interested in conformation I guess it is something to do. I personally would rather see more focus on encouraging more obedience folks so we saw more dogs with titles at both ends. It shows more about the dog - but that is just me.

Since the points are gained by already competing for specials I don't see it as that big a thing. Maybe I am missing the whole point cause I don't get it!!!!

[RKCM]

For those who are only interested in conformation I guess it is something to do. I personally would rather see more focus on encouraging more obedience folks so we saw more dogs with titles at both ends. It shows more about the dog - but that is just me.

Since the points are gained by already competing for specials I don't see it as that big a thing. Maybe I am missing the whole point cause I don't get it!!!!

They want to encourage exhibitors to keep showing their champions to achieve a grand champion title, I assume. The word I got was it was only to be awarded to the best of the best, not a given. Few judges withhold ribbons in the breed ring but this was designed to be different and will not be a given award. I thought it was interesting because if the class dog or bitch goes best of breed they can't be awarded the points for a grand champion. Only a champion of record or a dog that finished the day before and was moved to the BOB class. Be lining up differently for the ribbons etc. if it is given etc. The letter I got compared it to a CD vs a UDX, something more than just a champion, if that is possible. LOL

I agree with you on the obedience. It is such a great thing to do with your dog and it's fun. The people are really nice and it is what you can do with your dog, not subjective. Either they do it or they don't. My dogs always did it right if I ask for the right thing. I made handling errors so there is some degree of training people needed, especially in my case. Just takes time to learn the patterns and what's expected and lots of practice. The dogs have fun regardless.

[Panama]

For those of us that are interested in the Conformation Grand Champion title... Thank you for sharing the info you received on it.

[Dobs4ever]

RKCM but it shows nothing new about the dog except someone has the money to keep showing doing the same thing to get a new title. Aren't titles supposed to require more at each level. I would think the dogs would get sick of just showing in conformation.

[RKCM]

RKCM but it shows nothing new about the dog except someone has the money to keep showing doing the same thing to get a new title. Aren't titles supposed to require more at each level. I would think the dogs would get sick of just showing in conformation.

It will be interesting to see how this works. Judges are encouraged to reserve the gr ch points to the elite, not just a finishable dog. It will require more gr ch points and will not be as easy as champion. Dobermans aren't easy champions, but the point being in some breeds it is an easy title. Maybe I said that right??? Think you understand why I mean. I doubt very seriously if that those that will compete for this will get tired of the show, anymore than an obedience dog. They could I guess, but I think most of all they want to please. Not sure really.

I guess, you guys heard the Canadian Kennel Club was in financial trouble. AKC has something like 50 million in reserve so they are safe for now. But I can tell you the dogs shows have far less dogs and participation than they did years ago. The clubs are hurting and the judges take hits too on what's expected and what they are paid. They opened up the obedience to nonAKC breeds. So there is an attempt to offer more. Grand Champions will be a elite award for those dogs that are known to be most likely BIS and top group winners etc. That's my guess.

[Panama]

Ok, my last post was a bit crass... I apologize. For those that do mainly or strictly Conformation, the Grand Champion title is wonderful news. It'll be great to see those who have already earned their AKC CH title working towards their Grand! Like RKCM said... it is an elite award that will not be easy to acquire.

I think anyone that does something with their dog(s) other than just letting them in and out for potty and playtime is incredible, regardless of venue or event!

[Dobs4ever]

What about shovel poop!!! Does that count??? Panama you could never be crass.

[Panama]

Pooper Scooper is an extremely important title!

[RKCM]

The important thing is that you enjoy what you do with your dog in whatever venue (or venues) you choose and that the dog enjoys it. A Grand champion is just an advanced title for a champion and an encouragement to keep showing the champions, I guess.

[Dobs4ever]

Becky "judges are ENCOURAGED to put up the best - well that is suppose to happen in the CH so what concerns me is that it SAYS we have not done well at the CH level of honoring good dogs. Gosh sorry you guys know I always see it different. It is just my personal curse and not meant to be argumentative. I still say if you have the money to campaign beyond CH it will be not better because they need money and will fall into the same trap - if they withhold titles then people won't support it. Am I seeing it totally wrong??? I don't know!!!

[RKCM]

I think this is an award for those that normal special their dogs and encourage some that do not and might....?? If you are showing a class dog, it won't be competing for Grand Champion points.

Judges can withhold ribbons for lack of merit but it is seldom done. Disqualifications and excusing a dog I've seen. Dobermans, for the most part, usually have a worthy dog and bitch so in our breed I haven't seen a dog excused for that. I have seen it done in some of the other breeds though. The letter from AKC wanted it to be an elite award. I'm assuming for those dogs that have more than just enough.....for lack of a better word. Don't think any of us will have to worry about it anytime soon, but it is something to know when you are in the ring and a champion is awarded GCH points. The way I am reading it, there can be two awarded select. Interesting to see how this works.

As far judges, some are better than others. Some we agree with and some we don't. It is just that opinion that you pay for each time you enter. I think you are right in that it is a way to expand what we already have and give an advanced title. Time will see how that works. I'm sure none of the specials will be turning it down. LOL

[Panama]

Becky, Rhianna or anyone else that has been in Conformation for a while... please correct me if my thoughts are incorrect.
It is my understanding that CH points (the BOB) are awarded to the dog/bitch the judge sees best fits the standard. However, they must choose a BOB out of what is actually presented to them on that day. This does not necessarily mean if that dog finishes it has "Elite" potential. He/she was just the best dog (in the judge's eye) presented that day.

I have seen in Dobes as well as a few other breeds, entries just as fillers (hoping the judge picks the one you really wanted the point(s) for) or boost single or double into a major.

[RKCM]

I think you are right, Panama. It is to award grandness, for lack of a better word. The award will only be for champions in the BOB competion and not WD or WB. It has been discouraged to award GrandCH points to just any champion, but only one of greatness. That's how I read it from the announcement and letter that went out to judges. I doubt if those that are specialing dogs will enter any less. It is their hope that it will encourage others to show their champions in hopes of the title. Hope I explained this right....lol

[Dobs4ever]

The judging based on multiple dogs can get points falls back more like the Intl titles where the dogs are judges against the standard and multiple dogs can qualify. I do think it will be interesting to see how it plays out. JMHO

[Panama]

I really like the International shows, especially the written critique.

[RKCM]

I'm thinking about the UKC shows since there are 4 here this summer. How do you like that show. I have, frankly, never been to one. International is different. I need to read up on this. AKC is all I know really.

[Panama]

If you're going to try UKC, register your dog before hand. That way all you have to do is print and submit your entry to the Event Secretary. Pre-Entry of course is always cheaper, and some clubs offer and even better discount for a 4 or 6 show (how ever many shows over the wknd) for the same dog.

I guess the biggest thing I like about UKC is NO PROFESSIONAL HANDLERS unless they are the owner or co-owner of record. I have however seen people come in with several dogs of the same breed, and obviously need to recruite help if more than one of their dogs/bitches win their class and needs to go back in for BOB (or Group if they have different breeds in the same Group). I believe it is to the clubs discression whether to allow this or not (I'm waiting on confirmation on that) or as long as other exhibitors don't complain that the owner of record isn't handling a dog.

[RKCM]

Thanks Panama. I will have to register him with UKC. Sounds fun.

[RKCM]

Looks like this is encouraging more to show their dogs as a special and a good thing for the breed. It is nothing like the International show, as AKC Champions is far above all other venues in conformation. Great to see our new GCH's at the National.